Surgical Technician - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Veterans Health Administration • San Antonio, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team who assists the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. Under the general supervision of the surgical team, the technician participates in planning and implementing complex procedures. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified individual.

The position prepares and handles instruments, sets up for procedures, supports sterile-field and infection-control practices, and helps ensure equipment and supplies are ready and maintained. It also includes preparing pathological specimens, performing required counts and patient/site verification, coordinating post-procedure cleaning, and helping train military surgical technology students.

Work schedule: rotating shifts of 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., and 11:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (call shift), with rotating weekend call. This is not a virtual position. Recruitment/relocation incentives may be authorized; Critical Skills Incentive is not approved, and Permanent Change of Station is not authorized.

The work has substantial physical requirements, including lifting and carrying, pushing and pulling, prolonged standing and walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and fine manual tasks. The incumbent may encounter infected patients, contaminated materials, isolation precautions, and occasionally combative patients. The role requires flexibility and the ability to work effectively under stress and adjust priorities to patient needs.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• For the GS-07 level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06, directly related to the work, or one full year of directly related graduate education, or a qualifying combination of graduate education and experience.
• Specialized experience includes knowledge of surgical instruments, anatomy, physiology, aseptic technique, sterile-field preparation, sterilizer operations and effectiveness testing, cleaning and storage of sterile supplies, contaminated-item handling, quality control, and personal hygiene.
• Specialized experience includes knowledge of standard precautions and implementation of infection-control policies and procedures; surgical equipment operation and testing; and postoperative decontamination procedures.
• Specialized experience includes understanding the Joint Commission (TJC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Submit a transcript if using education, in whole or in part, to qualify.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Applicants tentatively selected for a testing-designated VA position are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• A physical examination may be required depending on organizational needs; the position is subject to background and security investigation.
• Selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• A one-year probationary period is required.
• Meet the stated physical and functional requirements, including visual acuity, hearing, manual dexterity, and the ability to perform the described physical activities and work effectively in stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of aseptic technique.
• Ability to anticipate the surgeon’s needs.
• Ability to set up a sterile field.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments.

Responsibilities

• Anticipate the surgeon’s needs by applying knowledge of anatomy and complex surgical procedures.
• Prepare instruments for the full range of surgical procedures; set up procedures and handle instrumentation.
• Prepare pathological specimens for appropriate laboratory testing, including permanent, fresh, frozen, and culture testing.
• Perform instrument, sharps, and sponge counts according to policy.
• Participate in patient identification and surgical-site verification using Universal Protocol and Time-Out procedures.
• Assist coworkers in planning and preparing for procedures, using equipment properly and supplies effectively.
• Participate in and contribute to in-service programs related to surgical patient care.
• Coordinate with Environmental Management Services to clean patient-care areas after procedures, and educate surgical personnel on sanitation and proper PPE.
• Comply with infection-control policies and procedures; educate surgical personnel on aseptic technique, hand hygiene, and proper PPE use.
• Follow SOPs, directives, policies, and regulations when disassembling and preparing reusable medical equipment for high-level disinfection.
• Pre-clean instruments and prepare instrument sets and case carts for return to SPS.
• Maintain adequate disposable and non-disposable supplies and ensure instruments are available in sufficient quantity and good condition.
• Assist with selecting and purchasing instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with training military surgical technology students and answer questions about surgical procedures, PPE, and infection-control policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are directed to review federal benefits information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed